How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). We used the line numbering found on Librarius's online edition.
Quote #10
[. . .] Whan it comth to my lot,
By God, I shal hym quiten every grot.
(Friar's Prologue 77 – 78)
The Summoner allows the Friar to say what he wishes, because he knows that, later, he will have a chance to speak and get back at the Friar. It's interesting how, here, anticipated future competition is actually a means of preventing conflict in the present.
Quote #11
For he to vertue listeth nat entende;
But for to pleye at dees, and to despende
And lese al that he hath is his usage.
(Squire's Tale / Franklin's Interruption 689 - 691)
The Franklin's son's gambling is the kind of competition that wastes money and serves no purpose. It signifies vice, in contrast to the Knight's fighting for the Christian faith, which signifies virtue.